As at April 6, there were 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guyana, and there was much consternation and uncertainty in the nation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm, wreaking havoc on healthcare systems and precipitating death and serious sickness in several countries.
Emmerson Campbell
In a quest to edify the general public on ways to fight the COVID-19 virus and take better care of themselves, <<Guyana Times Sport>> had a little discussion with Emmerson Campbell, one considered fit and proper to give advice in this regard.
Campbell is a Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and National Sports Commission (NSC) Sports Journalist of the Year. Besides, he is a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist; a CAC silver and bronze medalist (Dominican Republic and Mexico); four times Mr. Guyana Men’s Physique Champion; three times Stage of Champions Men’s Physique Champion; and Darcy Beckles Silver Medalist (Barbados).
Asked what he thinks persons should do to keep safe during the pandemic, Campbell said, “In my opinion, besides social distancing (and) keeping yourself and surroundings clean, the best form of defense is a strong immune system. A strong immune system will help ward off illnesses and viruses. Some vitamins that can boost your immune system include Vitamin C, fish oil and B Complex tabs.
“Consuming fruits and vegetables, eating healthy, hydrating adequately, and (engaging in) some form of cardiovascular exercise are all means to boost your immune system. Adequate rest and not stressing are also recommended during this pandemic era,” he explained.
Campbell added that certain supplements can be used to boost a person’s immune system even as they exercise during this quarantine period. He noted that he had studied this in depth and had discovered that the following supplements are among those that can be used:
GLUTAMINE – Most people who use glutamine do so for its recovery-boosting effect. It’s also useful for decreasing post-exercise muscle soreness, increasing protein metabolism, and speeding up the burning of body fat.
Glutamine is also good for boosting gut health, and that is crucial for a properly functioning immune system.
BRANCH CHAIN AMINO ACID (BCAA) – BCAAs contain electrolytes, which are minerals commonly lost during sweating and urination. Fat-free and sugar-free, BCAAs help ensure that fluids consumed end up in the right places in your body: inside of cells. They also contain vitamins and minerals that can help boost energy and immunity. They taste pretty good, too, he explained.
Campbell recommends that BCAAs should be consumed several times a day in place of sugar-laden sodas and juices.
PROTEIN POWDER – Your immune system needs an adequate amount of protein to function correctly. While you can get protein from foods like eggs, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, pulses, and some grains, cooking these foods is not always practical. The good news is that you can use protein powders to provide your body with the protein it needs to stay healthy, he explained.
He reiterated that while none of the products listed is a cure for COVID-19, each will have a significant effect on your mental and physical wellbeing. Taking all the recommended precautions, eating as healthily as you can, exercising where practical and safe to do so, and using some well-chosen supplements should help make this worldwide health crisis a little easier to weather, he declared.
After all, even a small increase in immunity and wellbeing is important during this challenging period, he explained.
Campbell had these parting words for us: “Body weight exercises like pushups, pull ups, body weight squats, lunges, crunches, skips and so forth are recommended. Exercises are important, as they also boost the immune system.” (Timothy Jaikarran)
